About the roleThe aim of this role is to place the person at the centre of what we do and help them get through a crisis by offering positive encouragement, practical help and emotional support. The Independent Living Service Volunteer will be the 'point of contact' for the service user and will enable them to access the services they require to alleviate the crisis and move on with their lives. The Volunteer will support the person to meet their goals and outcomes.

As an Independent Living Service volunteer the primary aim is to enable the service user to recover from their crisis and to receive practical and emotional support.

About the TeamSometimes a little help can go a long way.

The Independent Living (IL) & Crisis Response (CR)service (IL/CR) are dedicated to making the lives of vulnerable people that little bit better. We're a small team dotted all over the country that share the same goal - to help those that need it most.

From picking up groceries to helping out around the house, we're there to make a difference. There's nothing better than knowing the time we spent with someone made them feel safer, happier, and more able to deal with crisis.

About the personWe keep the service user at the heart of what we do, working to understand their needs and the difference we make. You need to have good interpersonal, diplomacy, communication and teamwork skills. Full training can be given for any necessary technical requirements. Also:

Sensitivity when working with people vulnerable to crisis and an interest in their well-being and regaining independence

An ability to provide patient, positive encouragement with the aim of helping people to help themselves

An understanding of the diverse physical needs of service users

Ability to work independently and as an effective member of a team

Willingness to attend volunteer induction and appropriate training for the role

Uphold the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and adhering to the Society's Equal Opportunities Policy

This role requires a DBS/PVG check to the appropriate level.

Tasks Included in this Role:

Visiting the service user in hospital with a view to supporting their discharge

Emotional support

Transporting the service user home from hospital

Visiting the service user on their arrival home from hospital and settling them in

Keeping someone company for a few hours at a time

Helping the person to regain independence by supporting them with practical tasks such as shopping, collecting prescriptions and light meal preparation

Sitting with the service user and relieving the relative or carer of continuous care

Keeping paper records of contact and activities undertaken with the service user

Referring the service user to mobility aids and to other external services where appropriate

What We Offer:

The chance to work with a variety of different people from different walks of life and make a real difference to their lives

Recognition of the skills and experience you bring to the organisation with additional training given as required, so you can represent the Red Cross with confidence

A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and to gain new ones

The company of a warm and friendly team of like-minded people

Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses when on duty

Being a volunteer for the British Red Cross means that you can proudly say you are part of the world's largest humanitarian organisation.

Here's a little bit more about us...The British Red Cross help anyone, anywhere in the UK; get the support they need if crisis strikes.

From hiring a wheelchair or dealing with loneliness,to adjusting to life in a new country - we're there when you need us. Our goal is to connect human kindness with human crisis.

We're part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and we believe in the power of kindness.

Our organisation was born out of a desire to bring help without discrimination. Impartiality and neutrality have been central values for the Red Cross since we started.

We support a huge range of people and we recruit for a diverse workforce -including disabled and ethnic minority candidates. This is to contribute to thebreadth of experience we need to respond to people in crisis.

Young People and This RoleWe value the energy and enthusiasm that young people bring to this role. Anyone can volunteer with the Red Cross from the age of 15. An individual risk assessment, parental consent and safeguarding considerations will be required from those aged 15 - 17. Volunteers will need to be at least 18 to visit service users on their own but those aged 15 - 17 can be involved in a variety of activities such as promoting the service, supporting service volunteers, providing administrative support and undertaking training, if appropriate.